Kingdom of God

     The core of the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ is the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven according to testimony in the Gospel of Matthew. Main teaching or preaching about the Kingdom of God in the biblical witness is always voiced by the evangelists, the apostles and the preachers of today. What does the Lord Jesus Christ meant about the phrase or the phrase "kingdom of God"?. If we look at the Jewish community a place where the Lord Jesus grew up, that there are some assumptions and opinions concerning the Kingdom of God itself. The term in Aramaic word "kingdom of God" which means king's reign. 

     This term is used to describe an authority or act in a dynamic sense and not referring to a place or region in terms of static. We often have the notion that the kingdom of God it is something that illustrates the power of God is not limited by anything. In addition we also assume that the Kingdom of God as the fruit of obedience to God's people, this example is written in Deuteronomy 6:4 that: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the Lord is one!. 

     Our assumption also that the kingdom of God as a hope, faith or the final goal of the faith, as stated in Isaiah 52:7 that: "What a Beautiful visible from the top of the hills coming news bearer, who described the news of peace and preach the good news, who proclaim the news congratulations and saying to Zion: "God is King!". Is the opinion of the Lord Jesusin the synoptic Gospels of the Kingdom of God? In the synoptic Gospels, Jesus emphasized that the Kingdom of God has been started or have started there. To his disciples Jesus said, "Tell Me has been given the secret of the kingdom of God ..." (Mark 4:11). To the Pharisees He said, "... the kingdom of God is with you" (Luke 17:21). Lord Jesus also taught in Luke 6:20 that: "Blessed are you who are poor, because you're the one who owns the kingdom of God." 

     According to the Lord Jesus Christ that the kingdom of God is not a mood or hope in the future, but an act of God in the entire history of human life. Kingdom of God is something that is not yet visible, but already there and are working in every people and the world as a whole. Testimony in Luke 11:20 that: "But if I cast out demons by the power of God, then actually the Kingdom of God is come unto you." This testimony provided evidence to us that the Lord Jesus Christ is the proof of the presence of God's kingdom. 

     One question for us is: if indeed the kingdom of God is already come, Why did the Lord Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to pray: "Our Father which art in heaven ... your kingdom come ..."(Matthew 6:9 - 10)?. To discuss this we see more of the following: 

1. Kingdom of God has already begun, but has not been fulfilled or have expanded existing, but not yet complete. 

2. Authority to make or bring the Kingdom of God rather than our humanity, but the heavenly Father. Kingdom of God not because of achievement of our faith, but as a gift of God or grace of the heavenly Father. In other words God himself would be present or manifest the kingdom of God and not us humans. 

3. Kingdom of God is a gift or a gift for us who believe in humanity, therefore we are invited to respond with great humility and openness in the form of begging the Kingdom of God. 

     So, the point is the kingdom of God is not a church or fellowship of believers, for the kingdom of God can’t be characterized by the presence of people. Kingdom of God is also not a person's mood, for the kingdom of God or God's rule is not dependent on the human condition. In other words, the Kingdom of God is not a human product or this world, but the product of the heavenly Father. 

     We must also underlines that the kingdom of God is not an afterlife or life after death, for the kingdom of God in the beginning and till now on this earth. Kingdom of God is also manifested by the Lord Jesus Christ in his gait and work. For the apostles that the Lord Jesus Christ that the kingdom of God. The early church until today no longer bear witness about the Kingdom of God, but immediately gave testimony about the Kingdom of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Hence also the kingdom of God is identical with Christ. We always ask in prayer that: "... Thy kingdom come", meaning we always ask "came the reign of Christ."

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The divisions and Peace October 31

     We all know that on 31 October is the date or day of the split between the Catholic and Protestant Churches. This date also is the date the peace between the two large churches. On 31 October, which took place in Augsburg, Germany, the Catholic Church and Protestant Church signed an agreement on the most disputed teachings or the source of dissension that caused the split in the two churches since 1517. Basic doctrine is a doctrine of justification. This issue is of course extremely complicated resulting in schism or separation from the Catholic Church as the Mother Church. 

     The doctrine of justification from crowded discussed and questioned in the 1500s. In this year, especially in Europe began to identify and implement some kind of charitable practices, is good deeds are believed to bring rewards and blessings from God. The act or practice has led to an impression that this practice is too excessive. It is with some notion that friendship with God can make and justify our God is pleased. These practices lead to unrest, particularly troubling heart of Martin Luther, a priest, seminary teacher and head of the monastery in the town of Wittenberg, Germany. 

     So on October 31, Martin Luther's 95 Theses pressed at the gates of Wittenberg, which generally ninth-five propositions are protesting the wrong assumptions about the doctrine of justification. Initially, controversy or issue discussed in an academic discussion, but in its development will lead to strife, violence and condemn each other from both parties. As a result of such a divisive dispute that there was the Catholic Church and Protestant Churches. Especially the Protestant Church in its development through many struggles, so that there and here is the break in the Protestant Church. Context and reality because it is understood by the Catholic Church and Protestant Churches did not anticipate the possibilities of divisions that can occur in the future. In other words seated problems that lead to ignorance, misunderstanding and even split is not contemplated together to seek and find a solution or solutions. 

     The dispute between the Catholic and Protestant Church which has lasted so long, reunited in a deal which was inaugurated on 31 October 1999. So start date is the second large church was at peace. Peace is preceded by exploring the Bible in an honest and open. The agreement is also evidenced by the "Joint Statement of the Doctrine of Justification" which consists of 44 chapters. 

Now history has recorded about two church meetings and peace in the conflict of the Catholic Church and Protestant Churches on 31 October 1999.

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Confidence among Religions and Denominations: "Do not impose our will."

     Before I reviewed at length about this topic, let us examine a bit "Why scientists find things that are beneficial to humans and publish it?". We know together that the discovery made by experts worked diligently and carefully. The work carried out diligently and carefully this, surely will produce something very useful for people and life. The discovery sought by experts should be accompanied by the publication or proclamation of something that's found it. Publications and preaching it as an attempt to introduce to the world about things that are found, so the world or the whole of humanity will find out the invention. 

     Each discovery is studied, analyzed and published to the public or the world at large is to convey that there are new discoveries that benefit mankind. We can imagine if the discovery of these experts are not published but hidden. Surely this useful invention will not be known by everyone. Examples of discoveries in the field of health or medicine, if the findings are not published so that new treatments will not be known to the world or humanity as a whole. But if the discovery by the experts proclaimed or published, then the world will see whether the invention is very beneficial to human life or not. 

     The experts who preach or publish their findings only as a business publication or proclamation and not as an attempt coercion. In other words, the experts did not urge or force their findings .. They only publish or preach, but it is accepted or rejected depending on the choice of the man himself. The experts only publish or announce the discovery. Some explanation of the above have in common is intrinsic to the publication or preaching in the religious field. Any belief or religion has the vision and mission of preaching or evangelism. Thus, every religion has the nature or character of the missionary or publication to the outside world or the public. However, the nature or character of the missionary is very dependent on the public or the outside world itself to accept or reject it. 

     A publication or proclamation is merely a proclamation and not be force of will. That is also the essence of an evangelical (gospel = good news). If we read and look at the Supreme command of the Lord Jesus Christ who witnessed in Matthew 28:19 and 20 which says that: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of time." 

     Supreme Command of the Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples is part of efforts to publication or proclamation, and not as a proclamation orders that impose the will to the people at that time even until the world today. Business or publication of this proclamation all depends on who hears and ultimately accept or reject the proclamation itself. Lord Jesus Christ is the symbol of the evangelism of that. Lord Jesus Christ would bring good news of salvation (New Life), a life to all mankind through His love. 

     That means evangelism preached by Lord Jesus Christ is a proclamation LOVE about the good news, but not a proclamation that will enforce. Because until now there is a trust, but also there are who do not believe in Him. That means that until now no preaching or evangelism who receive the Lord Jesus Christ, but also any who refused or did not receive Him. Until now, evangelism can be done with a variety of form or manner, in accordance with the circumstances of the object of preaching it. 

     There is a preaching or evangelism through song, paintings, plays, dances, books, sermons, behavior, pattern, friendship, movies and others. Proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is not done or are urgent or compelling especially done in a way threatening. It is like that delivered by the Lord Jesus to the apostles in Matthew 10:14 that: "... if one does not accept you and not hear your words, get out and leave the house or town and shake off the dust from your feet." Evangelism is not proper if it contains elements of coercion, especially in terms of threatening one or more people. Evangelism should not be deceptive or accompanied by the lure (promise). 

     Evangelism that is part of the proclamation, nor can it be done in a way to scare or fool. Evangelism as part of the proclamation should respect the rights of every person who is the purpose of such preaching. That means in the evangelism of people should not be forced, pressured or threatened to believe in something. Instead the public also should appreciate the preachers or evangelists. During the Evangelists still upholds freedom among individuals, maintaining the relationship between religion and do not harass religious life, every religion or denomination right to proclaim his faith. 

     Proclaiming the Gospel also has the advantage to overcome the ignorance among adherents of different religions. In other words serve as a means to know each other and respect one religion or belief in religion or other beliefs. Once again in this paper, I want to stress that: 

1. Proclaiming a belief or religion can’t be done by vilify or insult any other religion or belief, 

2. Proclaiming a belief or religion can’t be done by force, urge, cajole or threaten people. 

3. Preaching should be done by way of mutual respect and appreciate one another. 

     If both these expectations materialize, it will create the atmosphere of evangelism or proclamation of mutual respect and appreciate the freedom of inter-religious life. 

Final words: 

"Let us not fight, judge, kill or violate human rights, only to impose our will especially about religion or belief".

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"Faith" and "Believe"

     Until now we always say the word "Faith" and the word "Believe". Without us realizing that what is actually contained in those words. Therefore in this paper I want to give the picture a bit about the word "Faith" and "Believe". The word "Believe" is a verb of the word "Faith". Both these words often appear in the Bible in both Old Testament and New Testament. Basically, these two words always describe the relationship between race, man or someone with the Almighty (God). In particular, the word "Faith" and the word "Believe" will be studied from the viewpoint of the New Testament in the Bible. 

     The word "Faith" is used in the New Testament is a translation of the word (Greek: Πίστης), while the word believe is the translation of the word (Greek: πιστεύουν). These words have also been used in the Septuagint, the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) the Greek translation of the word "secure", defined as a condition or situation that is true and can be trusted or reliable. In the Old Testament these words are also often used in order to want to express my trust in God and believe in His word. Belief in God is interpreted to include something that God is true and reliable, people always entrust ourselves to Him to be obedient and faithful to Him as the living God, strong, powerful and loving. 

     Thus, it can be concluded that the term "Faith" and "Believe" in the Bible both Old Testament and New Testament often support some things like: 

1. Believe and understand that something is true and acceptable. 

2. Rely on and trust yourself. 

3. Show loyalty and obedience. 

     In particular in the New Testament the word "Faith" is addressed to the Lord Jesus Christ, that we humans believe in Him and all His words that He is Lord and Savior of the world. Besides, we entrust ourselves to Him and accept the truth of the gospel who has the Lord Jesus says about. Here are several passages in the Bible New Testament which reveals the word "Faith" and "Believe", among other things: 

1. Matthew 9:22

"Your faith has saved you!" 

2. Mark 1:15 

"Repent and believe the gospel!" 

3. Galatians 2:16 

"We also have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ." 

4. Romans 10:9

"That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him ..." 

5. John 2:24 

"But Jesus did not entrust himself to them". 

6. Romans 12:6 

"If the gift it is to prophesy let us do so in accordance with our faith." 

7. Ephesians 4:5

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." 

8. Jude 3 

"You're still struggling to maintain faith that has been delivered to the saints."

     Finally it can be drawn an understanding that the word "Faith" and the word "Believe" is to trust the word of the Lord Jesus Christ as the gospel and the word is correct. Because believing in the Lord Jesus Christ then we are justified. The word "Faith" and "Believe" also should be coupled with real deeds. This is because both "Faith" and "Trust" must be demonstrated by ability as a gift or talent that God has given. 

Faith and trust also point to the religious life. It is with the phrase that "people believe it means religious people" and "religious people it means a believer.” Trust yourself, life and your faith on something that is fitting or appropriate should you believe in and trust.

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What should we believe in the development of this nation? (A biblical critical studies to the realities of life in the national and state unity of the republic of Indonesia)

     Noble ideals of a nation that until now attempted is to bring about a just and prosperous society based on "Five Principles and the Basic Law in 1945." These lofty ideals must be placed as a solid foundation, thus creating a lasting relationship and bringing happiness to all its inhabitants. Noble aspirations are not only considered novelty, but rather the future. We firmly believe that the foundation of the nation as a lofty ideals can provide happiness, if this is really true. But if otherwise, then this nation will experience turbulence and discriminatory against the community or its inhabitants. 

     Struggle for the struggles faced by this nation, among them: the problem of corruption, collusion, nepotism, terrorism, the threat of discriminatory, poverty, deforestation and many more issues that until now no end. Until now there have been significant, efforts and government programs to achieve these lofty ideals. But until now the ideal has not been experienced by the entire community. Freedom of expression against something (for example: religious freedom, life and work) apparently others have not experienced freedom. In certain cities the word "freedom" is experiencing infertility, dead or not running. Here are some realities of real life in the frame of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. 

     In Christian beliefis to believe in the Bible there are writings that provide strong base and even encourages life together in achieving the noble ideals of the nation. But not only that, but collectively as a people of Indonesia for securing and protecting these lofty goals. Some Bible studies, among others: 

1. Of nature as God's creation. 

Humans were given the authority to process and maintain this natural as God's creation is good, true and responsible (Genesis 1:28,29). 

2. Man is a unity. 

Humans are social beings, in which he could not live without the other human. Body, soul and spirit in man can’t stand alone, but as a single entity to do good things for God in other words the human body and should devote his life to the glory of God (Romans 12:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:20) . 

3. Sin and Forgiveness. 

Humans are basically sinful people, but because of the love and grace of God, man obtain forgiveness. The forgiveness of this man was asked by God to make his body as weapons of righteousness (Romans 6:13). 

     Activity in the life of nation and state is an attempt to strengthen the national life itself. Christianity is not a threat or an enemy of the other party, but a property that can define and strengthen national life. I will continue to support this nation in the fight against discriminatory, terrorism and others that can threaten or destroy the unity of this nation. Some opinions and thoughts within the framework of our religious life in Indonesia, such as responsibility towards nature, as well as responsibility for the development of love relationships, will greatly affect the level of togetherness, freedom and tolerance that exist in this country. 

     This country will never cease in the face of struggles and problems, if we ourselves do not appreciate or betraying the lofty ideals of this nation. This country is a country that till now assume the noble ideals that mandated the "Five Principles and the Constitution of the year 1945". 

     That means this country is not a state of a particular religion, in which this country can’t be controlled and influenced by a particular religion, but the country is governed and controlled by the "Five Principles and the Constitution of the year 1945." 

     In this paper there is a parenthetical phrase that: "countries that either are countries that always guarantee freedom for its people." 

Indonesian nation continues to struggle. Me love you

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Way of peace or violence in the context of Indonesia

     Every human being must have wanted a peace and not violence. For the peace that makes life haunted by humans without fear and anxiety. In other words, enjoying a life filled with peace is the dream and hope of all people. None of the people in this under heaven that does not like peace or none of the existing human being who wants or likes the violence that happened to him. Until now the relationship between countries always cultivated to keep the peace, it is because we are fully convinced that no single country in this world that affirm a violence. We need to know that peace will not be obtained through a force, but the violence will be defeated through love and mutual acceptance of living with each other. That violence will produce life that is not admirable or dishonorable. 

     There are views that might be a reason to achieve something with the street violence that is: "To master something through violence, then that's when peace was obtained." This is a view that is very wrong and inappropriate, because when the violence takes place, that moment of total peace of death. From the standpoint of Christianity that do not need to fight violence with violence. We see several examples in the Bible as the Gospel of Matthew 5:39-40 says: "Do you oppose those who do evil to you, but anyone who slaps your right cheek, give him also your left cheek. And if any man will sue thee because they covet your clothes, give your cloak as well. " 

     Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples to love their enemies. Order situation and the reality of life today that encourages and even forced a few people to do all the way even through the violence to achieve what is desired. Many also the reality and the present situation, where some people crying, wailing, grief and suffering experienced pressure or weight of a violence he had experienced. Perhaps the subject of violence would be proud, but the object of such violence will not be happy or proud of the facts and circumstances he has experienced. As a religious person who acknowledges that crime is not a way to achieve what is desired or to achieve a peace. But peace is the hope and dream alive every human being. 

     A harmonious environment, where human beings live, grow and work is determined by the peace. Peace will encourage mankind to continue to develop his senses, but the violence will diminish in using or developing the human senses. We also fully confident that there is not one of religion or belief that will say yes or justifies violence, but that every religion or belief in fighting crime and supporting the peace of it. Indonesia is a country that was inhabited by various tribes, religions, languages and different cultures. This country had hitherto struggled to continue to create peace for its residents. However there are certain people who do not want the hard struggle of this nation about a peaceful life. 

     On this occasion I would say that your religion is your religion and my religion is my religion, let us live peacefully and share together in love for the Indonesian nation which we love. We all have the same freedom to live, act and work for the progress of this nation. We're still working so that this nation will become a nation that smells good for other nations on this earth. 

     Differences for the sake of the differences existing in the country which we love, not as rivals or enemies to be destroyed, but the difference is the nation's wealth and power for the sake of progress together. Let us continue the fight against violence and struggle for peace without us differentiate from one another or with others. There is a proverb saying that: "Do not laugh at the suffering of your neighbor." But let us suffer in the midst of the suffering of our neighbors and let us rejoice in the joy of our neighbor.

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God works in the midst of disaster

     Human life is always faced with two options, namely the success and downfall. Not a single man under heaven who wants the suffering in this life, but want the joy and happiness. There is a story about a father who had suffered pain. The story is this: "In a small village there lived a humble family where a father in this family who is suffering ill family expectations, based on medical diagnosis he experienced pain" Heart ". In this village has no health facilities let alone a pharmacy or drug store, so that this child was ordered by the doctor who examined her father to go buy drugs in town. Then, without thinking of this child do what the doctor ordered for him. This child must pass through the plantations and several small forest to reach the city. When he arrived in town he bought medicine for her father. But the drug she'd taken mixed with other drugs where the drug would be toxic if consumed by her father. 

     Around three o'clock this child ran to return to the village, but in a forest when a child is running he fell and existing drugs in the bottle to treat his father fell and broke. This child is experiencing fear, disappointment and guilt over what he had just experienced. In the midst of these children fear to pray and ask the Father in heaven to cure his father. Around eight o'clock this child to his home, his face grim and fearful. The doctor asked the boy: "Where's the medicine that I ordered it?". This boy replied: "Sorry doctor drug fell and broke when I ran for home." The doctorreplied: "Let your father has been cured." Hearing the words of the doctor that her father has been recovering this child to be grateful and express thanks to God for His love that has been heard and answered her prayers when she fell in the middle of the jungle to bring drugs to his father. Humans are often confronted with the reality or the reality of life. 

     Does the fact it contains the success or failure, good or bad and even collapse. Fall may be in distress, disease or failure. Humans often think that God is only present in the midst of success. But God is also present in the fall of man. Why God is present in the middle of the Fall? God is present in the middle of the fall of man is to provide for the good of mankind, so God can bring good in the middle of the fall and human failure. Many people assume that the various realities and the reality of life in nature by humans is a destiny, in other words that it is wrong for us to assume that the fall had been destined by God. God works with us, when we work in him, but God will not work with us when we ourselves do not want to work in him. God did not ordained to us the downfall or disaster mankind. Fall is a consequence, the risk and the dynamics of everything we do. For Paul, that God can use the fall as one way for the good of our humanity. 

     It's wrong even if we assume that God only blesses those who experience success, prosperity and health. God also worked in the middle of the fall of man for the good of man himself. We as humans often only focus on the fall, without noticing that God is present in the middle of the fall of man. This situation is so that people mourned and wept over the fall which he naturally without thinking that God was good in the middle of designing the fall that happened to him. It is not easy for us to laugh in the middle of fall we are experiencing. Very long it takes to receive the collapse or failure. For me this is the mystery of human life, there is an understandable by humans but also there that can’t be understood by the human mind (Deuteronomy 29:29 says: "Things are hidden to the Lord, our God, but ..."). 

     Human life is a reality not a dream. Life is an adventure that can produce success or fall (failure). But we believe people should not fear and trembling that God is still present in the central reality of our lives. We always believe that God is always working with us. Hopefully this article useful to us and the Lord Jesus Christ bless.

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Meaning of life

     Every person has their own definition of the meaning of life. It is very seldom we think and interpret or answer the "What's the meaning of life for us?". The most important thing for us is to live life day by day. Humans are often busy with activities and routines of life itself, so that humans do not have time to interpret and conclude what exactly is the meaning of life really is. We realize that human beings live their lives in extremely busy with a variety of thoughts and energy drain. State of a person's life is determined by actions and deeds that supports life itself. A person's life is not merely lead to himself, but to something beyond himself. The meaning of life is not measured from the long or short words, but from the content or meaning of the word "life" itself. Below I will describe some of the understanding associated with the word "life". 

1. Life is a gift of God 

Human life is not earned their own gain or through their own efforts, but life is a gift by the Almighty God the Father as creator of heaven and earth. God bestows human life to the free or grace that is because the love of God to mankind and the world of his creation. Therefore, humans must be grateful for his life as a gift of God. Human grateful to the various deeds and actions of God like or want. 

2. Life is a reality 

Humans live their lives in the real world is not in a dream or fantasy. Everything in his life lived by human beings are real, so human beings must undergo and receive all the facts of life that he met. Humans can not reject or alter the realities of life. 

3. Life is a gift 

Human life is a gift, because it should respect human life. People should not waste human life let alone playing his own life. The man who played his life means he does not appreciate life itself. Because life is not something to be toyed with, but something that must be lived with full seriousness and responsibility. 

4. Life is fun 

Humans should share all the joy he experienced in his life. Man shall not win his own when he was experiencing a joy. With joy we share, then we become a blessing for many people. Fun is also the grace that God gave to humans, then humans have to share that joy to other human. 

5. Life is an opportunity 

Life is an opportunity therefore humans must exploit the opportunities that she encountered in her life. People should not waste that opportunity, because opportunity only comes once in life. 

6. Another meaning of life. 

Life is a challenge, beauty, tragedy, chores, mystery, dreams, race, appointments, puzzles, travel, love, struggle, desire, responsibility, sacrifice, friendship / relationships, life is work, life and so too is worship (add according to your understanding about life).

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The cross of Jesus Christ (the meaning and not just a symbol)

     Many people always use the symbol of the cross, if this is to show the identity of people who believe in Jesus Christ, as a lifestyle or simply as an ornamental (decorative). Many of us see people wearing a cross is used as necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets with the symbol of the cross, a watch with a symbol of the cross and so forth. But also the symbol of the cross used as decoration and home accessories. The question that should be pondered and answered is "Do we understand correctly and the cross?.” Is not something wrong or wrong if people wear the cross as a symbol of love, because Jesus Christ willingly on the cross because of His love to our humanity. Not mistaken also people wearing the cross as a symbol of safety significance, because for the cross of Jesus Christ we are forgiven and saved. Answers and some of these reasons in my opinion not very precise, because the cross is the symbol of self. The point is that the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself as a ransom for many. This is according to the Gospel of Mark 10:45 that: "The Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many." 

     There are people committing crimes, immoral and a variety of acts contrary to the faith of Jesus Christ by using the symbol of the cross. I think this is an act of denial and not very acceptable to God. Because the cross is a symbol of self-giving of all good deeds and not giving themselves against the evil that is not desired by God.Giving yourself does not mean we allow ourselves to be treated arbitrarily by the evil one or mastered. Let us not forget that the Lord Jesus Christ did not let himself be treated as such. People believe in the Lord Jesus had to show and distinguish what is right and wrong. Giving himself also does not mean providing challenging myself to death or to die or "dare to die." 

     People doing demonstrations by not eating and drinking or the person who hid a bomb in his jacket and blew himself up to martyrdom, is not giving himself as a noble act of suicide but to no avail. People who always have a tendency to want to die or to die is a psychological disorder rather than as a pure act out of conscience. In Christian religious belief is not justified its members do suicide for reasons of religious interests. Lord Jesus Christ just before his death did not choose this path (to die for nothing sis) to give Himself as a ransom for many people, but he felt scared and points his blood dripping onto the ground (read in Luke 22 : 44 and 42). Give yourself is to provide himself with sincere and earnest to do what is good for many people, willing to overcome self-interest for the sake of others. Self-giving way that has been show to the world of the Lord Jesus is the way of giving yourself without fringe benefits or expect something from the man and the world, it is the gift of himself is giving himself a sincere and earnest for the human race. It's like that spoken in the Letter of Philippians 2:6-8 that: "..., He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. " Give yourself is a form of self-sacrifice for many. This is the meaning of the symbol of the cross who actually sacrifice themselves to do good for many people. 

     Lifestyles we are often influenced by the nature of self-assertion than in others. Christianity is a lifestyle may be a folly by the general norm. For in the Christian ministry is a ministry of giving, we give time, give money, give thanks and give all the souls and our lives for the service; and we do not obtain any benefit as our services. But Christianity is a lifestyle as a force of people who always hear the call of God. Strength lies in the attitude to want to give myself doing things that are pleasing to God and not to the darkness or evil. 

     Serving God and others is a form of self-compliance and this is the real symbol of the cross. It is contradictory if the person wearing the symbol of the cross, but do not like giving myself to do good, it is ironic, too, if there are people who wear the symbol of the cross if you do not want to humble themselves, will not budge, did not want to sacrifice and do not want to give away but just want to win themselves and indifferent to the interests of others. Let us not use the cross symbol for a thing that is hated by the Lord Jesus Christ, but wear a symbol of the cross for the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Charisma in the life of the church

     In Greek, the word charisma is rooted from the word "charisma" which means grace. Therefore in this Indonesian Bible translated into his charisma, which means giving the gift that God gives is not because we are entitled to receive it but because God's generosity. There was a question "to whom God gave the charisma?" God gives such charisma to every believer, without exception. What exactly is charisma? Charisma is assorted gifts. Therefore the word "charisma" in the Bible is always used in plural form with the word "charisma". We Christians have always believed that God certainly has given his Spirit that causes us to believe. 

     The Holy Spirit is always moving our hearts to keep believing. We always come out and confess that the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world through the charisma of the Spirit (read in 1 Corinthians 12:3). The word charisma in Christian belief as well understood as the Spirit of God who works in various ways to the believer and the world as a whole. In other words God gave a variety of different gift to mankind. Different gifts are given by God to every human and from era to era. There are several sections in the Bible who wrote about his charisma, for example, we read in Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 7, 12, 13, 14, Ephesians 3, 4 and 1 Peter 4. 

     In general, the charisma that is mentioned in several passages above mentioned about giving, it leads, it teaches, it becomes a prophet, it helps, in tongues, willing to live simply, shepherd, became a martyr, it heals, encouraging, p. exorcise , willing to live celibacy, proclaim the gospel, like giving a lift and so forth. There is also in the Bible that testify about the people who filled the Spirit of God, so have the talent, grace and skill in wood carving, weaving fabric and jewels to decorate the sharpening stone temple (can we read in Exodus 31:1-11 and 35:30-35). These are some examples of the charisma of the Bible and many charisma which are recorded in the Bible both Old Testament and New Testament, among others charisma singing, playing music and charisma to read the Bible. 

     Outside the environment of God's people a lot of charisma is also similar to the word blessing. There charisma to lead as the lead social group which was not related to Christian beliefs. Parallels between the blessing and the gift is both a gift from God. Both the blessing and grace are both dependent development of human growth from childhood. Charisma is given based on one's faith and charisma can’t stand alone, but the charisma was very closely with the faith of a believer. Charisma is very accurate when used in terms of wholeness, order and regularity of a fellowship of believers and also not be used by God in vain. God gives charisma to the people to believe in Him through their own plan and purpose of God. Therefore can we say that it is wrong if the church parishioners who want to develop hamper his charisma. 

     If people believe that charisma is owned beneficial to the church and society, it is very wrong too, if the church does not develop this charisma. Charisma is given to every person (people believe) that does not mean we just remain silent, but we need more adding to the Church communion and progress of society. The believer must work harder to develop themselves according to the gifts God has given to him. Charisma can be changed according to changes over time and the development of church ministry. Charisma is what God has given us not only saved but to be developed and used. When the charisma that existed at that time we developed it we also have been a blessing to many people and become salt and light of the world. This is what is meant by the Apostle Peter that "in accordance with the gifts that have been obtained by each person as a good administrator of the grace of God" (read in 1 Peter 4:10). Can we understand that charisma is given to "each person". 

     We all charisma and no exception was able to obtain it from the Lord God not because of intelligence, eloquence, skill and elegance and we are but because of God's plan for our own. The person receiving the gift should be grateful, but we do not just save that gift but we develop it for the good of the people.

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Who are the people around us?

     Every person has a relationship with other people around him. Are those people are family, friends, coworkers, business partners and others who loved us or have similar interests with us. The people who we know is we are set apart and store in our agenda book or in our phone book list. This is so that we will never forget the people that we know it. We may record the whole of their names or maybe just a few names that have close ties or have similar interests with us. Basically this means that we are doing is right and fair. However, whether we realize it or not that this will make the association and our relationship will become more narrow or wide?. When we define these people as the choice of friendship or our association, then the horizon we will only focus on the people that we have set it. In other words, our activities will become narrower. 

     Only these people which is the direction of our attention and as if the only people this is our neighbor. Actually, who are those who are around you? There is the idea that people who are around us or our neighbors are people who have one culture, nation, tribe or have one religion. This view is narrow for me, because I think whoever we are (regardless of their differences) are the same as God's creatures. Both the culture, nation, tribe or religion that has a view like the one above is a society (culture, nation, tribe and religion, etc.) is closed. They can’t get along or are friends with people from outside their environment. People like this will feel strange when they see other people who have nothing in common with them , whether the similarity in terms of skin color, face, fashion,and others. 

     Views of narrow self- limiting and close friendships are a relic of ancient times, but in this modern age there are still too narrow views even though many countries are increasingly diverse. There are people who unknowingly have a view or opinion that the fellow they were just people of one nationality , one ethnic , one culture or one religion with them. They would feel odd if socialized with them, so they will be less happy if the presence of people who do not have the same background with them. 

     Perhaps we unknowingly we had been trapped in such a narrow view. Let us note and remember those who become friends and our friends. Anyone with one nation, one culture and one religion with us or who I do not have the same background with us. Is that such a narrow scope and nature of our lives? In the Gospel of Luke 10:33-35 says that: "... when he saw the man, his heart was moved by compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, after he came to water with oil and wine..." In Luke's Gospel is a parable that illustrates the story of a benevolent Samaria. We know that in the context of this parable of the Samaritan is not favored by the Jews. But the Samaritans who did not have the same striped background with people he can help do good. It turns out that there are people in our environment or our neighbors are people who need a place in our hearts. In other words that our neighbors are people who have a conscience and who always showed compassion. Even Jesus Christ has made us a part of His work of salvation, because we are all human fellow creatures of God. 

Be kind to our neighbors (the people around us), because we also expect others to do well against us. We much love other people beside us.

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Poverty is everywhere

     We can’t deny or doubt that every place has people who are categorized as poor (poor communities, underdeveloped and below the feasibility of life). Most people are able, affluent wealthy even have hope and good faith to help these poor people. We also must thus, have a desire to help, alleviate and provide a way out for the reality of poverty that exists around us. Poverty is something that has a lot of category or classification, there are materially poor but rich in good deeds, there is rich materially but poor in doing good or even have a materially poor but also poor in terms of doing good. Section shall be discussed in this paper is how our attitudes to poverty which we meet and encounter in which we live, and work activities. We often have a concept or a particular view about poverty and the poor. 

     In our concept often we are always trapped only on the terms or words used to poverty, without more, we understand and examine what is contained and the reality of what lies behind the poverty. In the Indonesian language known three terms which are defined as poor, including: first: people who are not located, the second: less people are or are not capable and third person: someone who does not have (people who do not have in English mentioned the word"the have-not"). 

     The three words above are directly or indirectly, we describe and interpret as poverty. We look at the first term: people are not located. The first word of this actually means that people who do not do any work, so it does not have anything to sustain life. So that we realize it or not, we often categorize the poor as people who are not included in our calculations. Many people just give aid and encouragement to the poor, but are less involved or are directly with them. In other words, what we do for people in poverty are only rarely move far away (not involved directly and do not understand the reality of poverty directly). Often we have hope that is not fair to the poor, that is our hope that poor people do not indulge or show themselves in front of us. Poor people are asked much of us. We often put in our environment, but poor people are asked distant or outside of our environment. The second term is not capable. 

     This second term directly refine our thinking about poverty concept that "people who can’t afford" is a person who can’t buy something for himself and what more for others. The ability or inability of a person is not a measuring tool to assess the humanitarian one. But as they say at the beginning of this paper that the man has many talents and gifts given by the Creator of them, human beings have gifts and talents to work, the gifts and talents to do good and ability to think and so forth. 

     The third term is "People who do not have." We often give the conclusion that this third term are the ones who do not have the materials owned by us. The material is not also as a measure of the value of a person of humanity. People who can’t afford too we often categorize as the people who do not have confidence, have no initiative, does not have the courage to convey something of opinion, have no ideals, no oomph, and so forth. It is clear that the concept of our thinking about poverty and poor people are less and not taken into account, this concept in my opinion is a mistake. Both inside and outside the church we often determine a person to become a leader is measured by the degree that is poor or rich. In other words, poor people are rarely selected for a post office. 

     Though we do not realize that poor people or not is a life force in the state and in church services. In the book of Ecclesiastes 9:16 says: "... the wisdom of the poor and despised his words are not heard." This article would explain to us that since the time of Ecclesiastes reality of poverty is a reality that is not taken into account. Do we forget that the value and the price of mankind or a believer in God's eyes God is the same. God does not sort out which ones where the rich and the poor. In the biblical witness that God also appreciate and love the poor. There are poor people among us, because they must exist in the hearts, minds and our inner. We must accept them and do not isolate them, in other words, we accept them as this part of our lives and our churches and even our country. 

Jesus said: "The poor are always there with you ...,". They are present in our lives. Are they as dirty scene in front of us?, And how can we understand their existence?. Stand tall and sit at the same low with them (the poor) because Jesus Christ Himself also places like them in his day.

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